Avic-8100NEX + Focal Components Installed

Tree70Z

I just wanted to give an update on some changes I made to this system. I decided to add a subwoofer and wanted to go with a compact passive enclosure since I did not see any active enclosures that looked worthwhile. Rather than add a second amplifier, I decided to swap out the the 2-channel Focal 200W for a 5-channel Soundstream 640W Picasso Nano. The Nano can run four channels at 60W RMS each with 200W going to the sub, or 2-channels bridged at 160W RMS with 350W going to the sub. I'm only running front speakers, but I initially hooked it up non-bridged at 60W, thinking I might try bridging it if needed. It is not needed. Even though the Focal was supposedly sending 60W RMS, same as the Soundstream, the new amp sounds much better, and I have to keep the gain turned way down.

So far, just changing the amp was a big improvement. With the Sounstream amp, my speakers were already putting out more bass than they had been with the Focal amp and the music seemed to breathe better. But, I needed to feel it a little more. So, I added a JL Audio CP108LG-W3v3 8" ported micro-subwoofer enclosure. Again, I have to keep the gain dialed way back and have the bass boost turned all the way down. That thing makes WAY more bass than I'll ever need. If I turn it too high, it vibrates my brain. By adding the sub, I was able to enable high pass filter, taking the bass out of the front components which made them sound louder and more crisp and clear.

Before, I was just reasonably happy with my amp and speakers. Now, I love my system and I keep wasting time just sitting in my car and listening to tunes.

Conclusion 1: Focal Solid2 Black amplifier sucks compared to the Soundstream Picasso Nano 640W

Conclusion 2: The JL Audio CP108LG-W3v3 8" ported micro-subwoofer enclosure kicks *** and is more than enough bass for a Z.

Birdfan67

I purchased this inclosure from one of the forum vendors...The custom installers had to add a little depth to it to occomdate the depth of this 10 inches...it is 1 cu ft

I love this solution...it's has small foot print , out of the way...and corner loads the bass keeping it nice and tight. The sub is the Pheonix Gold TI series , caution however...it was $450.00 and worth every penny ! Notice the rubber surround , the cone can throw almost an inch to push air... I had the bass knob installed to control the sound waves hitting my head.

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Tree70Z

I am kind of bummed at how much room my sub enclosure occupies. It is very small, but the hatch area is also very small. I wonder if that corner enclosure could be used with an 8" driver. Mine puts out so much bass, I don't see why I'd need anything bigger. My plan was to eventually build a custom box to hold the driver I already have and drop it in the space in front of the spare tire. Only the grill would show, much like when the sub is installed within the spare tire. I have seen it done and it looks great, but if I have to do all that work myself, $450 doesn't sound bad for a corner box.

Z&I

Thank you for the glowing report on your new sound system!
It's magic happening when you hit on the right combination of components.

What type of music do you listen to mostly?

I will be installing a sound system soon and have been doing some research before diving in.

I would also love to just sit in the car and just listen for awhile as well.

I like nice tight base down to the 20Hz range but don't want the thump or excessive pressure that a lot of the subs produce.
Near impossible around here to audition car stereo systems - and each person's listening tastes are different as far as music go's.
So I've been trying to find a system combination that is listened to by someone with similar musical likes and tastes.

Thanks,

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Tree70Z

Hey now, I didn't mean to glow! I am really happy with it, but also keep in mind that I don't have a lot of experience with audio equipment. Good enough for me though.

I listen to such a wide variety it's hard to nail down. Everything including classic rock, classical, techno, hip hop, reggae, ska, 80s, folk...

I really like switching between drastically different genres to hear how one song has a lot of detailed sounds of fingertips sliding on guitar strings and hearing the breath of wind instruments, and then suddenly switching to hard hitting industrial and letting the sub show off.

Z&I

Quote:
Originally Posted by Z&I Question to Tree70Z

What type of music do you listen to mostly?

I listen to such a wide variety it's hard to nail down. Everything including classic rock, classical, techno, hip hop, reggae, ska, 80s, folk...

I really like switching between drastically different genres to hear how one song has a lot of detailed sounds of fingertips sliding on guitar strings and hearing the breath of wind instruments, and then suddenly switching to hard hitting industrial and letting the sub show off.


Good answer ! A lot of good usable info
Says a lot ... Thanks much !

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bigaudiofanat

So I have to ask, did you set your crossovers properly on the focal amp? Never heard of an issue with the focal amps.

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smokinsound

Wouldn't the best bet be to bypass crossover network in the amp, and allow the Focal crossovers to do the work, and fine tune from the deck? I've been debating this with my PS165FX's.